When Delta/NWA merge, which base closes first?
 

Just curious what your thoughts are. Personally I think Memphis then CVG. I think Detroit and SLC grow. Some say SLC closes but I think it plays an important strategic role in the west.

Delta/AA could merge and stick a knife in both CAL and NW so that's a possibility. I was reading today where Delta has submitted to both for bids. They could kill two birds with one stone that way. CAL can't merge unless NW merges. Delta could trump two competitors like this. If NW does merge it frees up the option for CAL. Part of the post 9/11 deals. However CAL will have to somehow manage to come up with a crisp $100 bill to pay NW. It's called "The Golden Share".

This should probably have gone in the Mergers and Acquisitions forum instead.

And I will say Memphis.

You needed to have one more collumn....None. That is my vote.

i can tell you right now pinnacle is getting more routes and doing more flying for nwa every month. we now have a mem-cos route. we are also starting a mem-crw route. memphis is going no where. plenty of room to grow, little to no taxi time, and a very good location.

We don't know, but my guess, once the merger is completed, DL will close MEM as soon as is humanly possible. Its a small market, and probably unprofitable. And I disagree about it being " a very good location", it might be right now, but not after the merger, its too close to ATL. No way it remains open.

Probably what will happen to CLE once CO and UA merge. Small market, too close to ORD....

I have a hard time seeing CVG going anywhere. I believe it is Delta's second largest hub and they're making too much money off of dominating that airport. Just my two cents....

MEM has almost always been profitable. It may not have the international routes and tremendous volume as compared to DTW and MSP but with short taxi times, little competition on routes, and rare deicing the costs are low-revenue is high. Still have a feeling MEM will get the axe though even as I am a memphian based and living in mem. Fedex would love to truly have "fedex international" and not compete for slots during the day.

Cal can merge if NWA doesn't merge it just costs more than 100 dollars.

Poll
 

I second! Long term, who knows. I think they could support and even grow out of all bases.